Swimming pool cover



Nov. 24, 1964 R. R. KNODEL SWIMMING POOL COVER 3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Nov. 20, 1962 I I I a' I I IN VEN TOR.

RO ERT .KNODEL ATTORNEY Nov. 24, 1964 R. R. KNODEL 3,158161 SWIMMING POOL COVER Filed Nov. 20, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. ROBM NODEL BY HW I I' ATTORNEY R. R. KNODEL SWIMMING POOL COVER Nov. 24, 1964 .NVENTOR. ROBERT R. KNODEL %m ATTORNEY 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 20, 1962 United States Patent O nisam swrMMmG root cnt/'En Robert R. Knodel, 12341 Giihert t., Garden Grave, Qalif. Filed Nov. 20, 1962, Ser. Ne. 238,&33 11 Claims. (Ci. 135-5) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in swimming pool covers or guards.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a swimming pool guard which `is simple but s'turdy in Construction and which is easily manipulated for opening or closing or a partial opening and closing.

A further object is to provide a swimming pool guard which in its construction is easily adaptable -to pools of varying shapes.

Another object is to provide a swimming pool guard having a frame Construction which may be of minimum height but which nevertheless does not interfere with swimmers diving otf the sides of the pool or the diving board.

Particular objects of the invention are to provide a swimming pool guard employing a novel frame and arrangement of separa'ble curtain portions which are detachable one from the other and moved to storage areas in the frame; to provide a tent-like guard arrangernent utilizing a plastic sheeting covering and employing quick detachable latch means at the bottom around the edges of the pool forming a substantially tight connection of curtains with the pool edge to prevent foreign material from blowing into the pool and to prevent small children from gaining access; and to provide a novel track-type support for the curtains facilitating opening and closing of the latter.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a swimming pool guard which is attractive in appearance.

Briefiy stated, the present invention employs a support frame for a top cover portion which is afiixed in a stationary position and side and end curtain portions which are separable and are adapted to 'be drawn to storage areas to open the pool. The curtain portions are suspended from track members which are supported on the support frame interiorly of the pool edge, and such track members at two co-ners extend along supporting framework to form some of the storage areas for the curtains. At the diving board end of the pool, portions of the supporting framework and track members are hingedly arranged such that they are foldable in a direction away from the diving board to provide clearance for div-ing.

The invention will be better understood and additional objects will become apparent from the following specification and clairns, considered together with the accompanying drawings, wherein the numerals of reference 'indicate like parts and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan View of a first form of the present swimming pool guard with parts broken away for clarity;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the pool guard of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View taken on the line 3- 3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary section'al View of supporting track structure which support a top cover portion and the side and end curtain portions, taken on the line 4 4 of FIGURE 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan View of deck latch plates for the curtains;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a modified form of supporting track for the curtains;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a second form of the present pool guard;

FIG. 8 is a sectional View taken on the line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

3 l ,l 6'1 Patented Nov. 24, 1 964 FIG. 9 is a sectional View which may be considered to be taken similarly to FIG. 8 and which shows a modified form of guard; and

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational View of a modified form of frame member. t

Referring now specifically to the draw-ings, the present guard for a swimming pool P has a supporting frame comprising 'four corner posts 10 and a pair of intermediate side posts 12. Each of the posts 10, 12 is curved inwardly at 14 at its upper end. The curved portion of corner posts 10 are directed diagonally inwardly and lead into extensions 16 the two end pairs of which join centrally of the frame. The curved portions 14 of the side posts 12 are joined by a transverse extension 18.

With particular reference to FIGURE 3, there is disposed centrally or" extension 18 a short upright frame member 20 which supports at this point a longitudinally disposed frame member 22, FIGURE 1, connected to the corner extensions 16. Upright 20 also supports a pair of laterally disposed frame members 24, the oppositely leading portions of extension 22 and the member 24 from the upright 20 being inclined downwardly.

Integrally supported on the extensions 16 and 18 of the side and end frame members are end track supports 26 and side track supports 28, such end and side supports being joined at the corners, with two of the corners, comprising corners on adjacent sides, having extensions 30 leading toward the corner posts. As best illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 3, the track supports are spaced inwardly from the edge of the pool.

A top cover 34, such as transparent plastic sheeting, is supported on the extension 22, the transverse frame mem 'bers 24, and the track supports 26 and 23. This cover is attached -to the outer sides of the track supports 26, 28, FIGURE 4, by large headed fasteners 36 threaded or otherwise Secured to such supports, the cover 34 being of slightly enlarged dimension relative to the spacing of the track supports so that a peripheral border 38 thereof hangs below such track supports. Extension 22 is in a higher plane than the track supports and the cover 34 thus is inclined both longitudinally and laterally to provide good drainage of rain Water ofi? the top. i

Suspended from support-s 26, 28 are track members 40 on which operate carriers 42 having wheels 44 engaging the track. These track members also extend into the extensions 39. Secured to the carriers 42 are side curtains 48 and end curtains 50. These curtains are of sufiicient length whereby to be angled from the inwardly set tracks and attached at their bottom edge to expanson screws 52 set in the concrete adjacent the pool edge.

For connecting the curtains to the screws 52, the cur tains carry latch plates 56 on their bottom edge, and `for this purpose there is incorporated in the bottom edge of the curtains a cord 53, the cord being held in place in the curtain by a looped edge 60 of the latter and the bottom edge of the curtains being cut out as at 62 to bare the cord for attachment of the latch plates thereto the latter having `a spring end 64 adapted to be Sprung up wardly for receiving the cord. Plates 56 have a bayonet slot 66 for removable attachment with screws 52, the head of the screw 'in the secured position of the ilatter being dsposed slightly 'above the surface of the concrete decl to facil-itate attachment of the plates 56 -thereto.

The curtains 48, 50 also Carry, intermediatetheir top and bottom, headed pins 76. These p ins correspond in number with that of the latch plates 56 and are verti ally aligned therewith whereby as seen in dotted lines in FIG- URE 3 the curtains may be hortened 'by folding up' the bottom thereof and connecting the late plates to: the pin 78. This is desirable since as seen in FIG. 3 in closed po sition the curtains are angularly disposed and when in fireely hanging condition may touch the' water in the pool.

FIGURE 6 shows a modified form of curtain support and comprises a tubular member 74 having interiorly supported wheels 76, a depending plate 78 which is supported on the axle of the wheels 76 and which projects through a continuous slot 80 in the support 74. Rivet receiving apertures 82 are provided in the lower end of plates 7 8 to which the curtains may be attached. This embodirnent has the important feature that the roller 76 is protected and furthermore that a neater appearing and more simplified structure is provided.

The ends of the side and end curtains Carry zipper elements 84 by means of which said side and end curtains may be connected into an integral curtain unit or if desired may be separated into Component parts. For fully opening the curtains for pool use, all tour zippers are released and end curtains 50 are moved into their respective extensions 30. Each of the side curtains 43 is moved in from the ends and gathered centrally adjacent the transverse frame member 18. FIGURES 1 and 2 show the curtain portions partially opened, the right hand end curtain being moved into the extension and the adjaccnt side curtain in clockwise position being gathered at the central point adjacent the extension 18, only one half of this side curtain being open. The other curtain portions are closed.

It is to be understood that all curtain portions need not be opened When it is desired to use the pool since it is merely necessary to release the zipper at one cerner and slide back only a portion of the adjacent end or side curtains.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein the swimming pool utilizes a diving board D, it is desirable that frame structure which may interfere with normal diving be folded to an out-of-the-way position. Thus, track supports 28 adjacent the diving board end are provided with hinges 86 whereby the end portion 26 of the track and its extension 30 are capable of being folded back, together with this portion of the pool cover 34, toward the other end of the pool, i.e., to the d-otted line position of FIGURE 1 and in the direction of arrow 88 in FIGURE 2, the folding portion of the track supports 25 and 28 not being integrated with frame members M- or 16 at this end. For convenience in handling, extension bars 92 are provided on the pivoted end track support 26 whereby it is readily grasped by persons standing on the edge of the pool.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention there is provided a swimming pool guard which is inexpensive to manufacture but which is sturdy in operation. To open the guard it is merely necessary to unzip the ,co-mars and slide the side curtains to the side storage areas and 'sl-ide the end curtains into their respective extensions 38. Since the track portions are supported interiorly of the pool from the pool edge, the framework may be of minimum height without interfering with use of the pool at its sides.

The top cover 34 and curtain portions may be formed of suitable sheeting material and p-referably comprises a plastic netting. At any rate it is desirable thatsuch sheeting be rugged in use and one which is transparent or translucent.

The present structure is readily adaptable to pools of varying sizes and shapes, it being only necessary to locate the coi-ner posts, intermediate posts, and screws 52 in selected positions and to provide a track for the curtans of selected shape, i.e. that conforming to the shape of the pool.

Referring to FIGURES 7 and 8, which show a second form of the invention, there is employed as a guard a netting member 96 such as a nylon netting. Similar to the FIGURE 1 embodiment the guard is supported by posts 10& and 1 2@ having inwardly extended top portions 1411. A top tightly strung line 98 such as a nylon cord, is se cured to the inner end of the posts. The line 98 may be Secured to said posts in any manner desired, and as shown the posts adjacent their inner ends are horizontally bored at 108 to receive the line which in addition may be looped, as designated by the numeral 102, around the pole. Such a manner 'of astening the line 98 is utilized around one end and the sides of the pool, but at the diving board end which is the left end in FIGURE 7, the two end posts ltta are provided with eyelets 194 for releasably attaching the line 98.

The upper end of netting 96 is attached to roller assemblies 166 which roll on the line 98, the upper horizontal strand 198 of the netting which is attached to said assemblies p-referably comprising a heavy duty cord. The lower horizontal strand liti is also a heavy duty cord for securement of l-atch plates 56:: thereto of the type illustrated in FIGURE 4 and associated with anchor screws 52. Latch plates Sa shown in this embodiment have a front hook portion 53 wherein the net when released at the bottom can be partially opened from the bottom by engaging hooks 53 over upper strands of the net.

The corners of the netting are provided with zippers 34 for opening the pool at said corners. Thus, to open the pool the corners are unzipped, the latch plates 56 are released from the screws 52, and the netting pulled back to storage areas. After the netting has been pulled back at the (living board end, the line 98 at this end is released from the eyelet 104 whereby said line can be dropped to allow a tree end for (living.

Of course, the entire netting need not be opened for swimming since if desired only one corner zipper may be opened to allow the swimmers to enter and then zipped closed to prevent children from entering unnoticed.

The present forms of pool guard are adaptable for mounting around pools of varying curvature since it is merely necessary to locate the supporting posts in spaced relation around the pool and the netting or guard member will easily follow the curvature by properly locating the latch plates 56.

FIGURE 9 illustrates a somewhat modified form of netting. In this modification the netting 96 supports an inner imperforate lining 112 of plastic sheeting attached only to the upper and lower strands 108 and 11%, respectively of the netting. As seen in FIGURE 9, this lining has vertical slack therein whereby the netting 96 is able to take the Shock of anyone falling thereagainst without dama'ge occurring to the lining.

FIGURE 10 illustrates a further modification of supporting posts and employs a straight post 114 instead of utilizing the inwardly curved portions 14. In this form eyebolts 116 are Secured to the posts 114 in horizontal relation to support the line 93.

It is to 'be understood that the forms of my invention herein shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same and that various changes in rthe shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims. For example the track supports of :the FIGURE 1 embodiment may be suspended from the lower edge of the frame elements rather than being supported on the top as shown and the cover 34 Secured to top frame elements.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A swimming pool guard structure comprising upright frame members adapted for placement adjacent the edge of the pool, inwardly directed extensions at the upper end of said frame members, track means supported on the said extensions in a plane inwardly of said upright frame members, curtain means slidably supported on said track means, latch means on the bottom of said curtain means, and anchor means releasably engageable by said latch means, said anchor means being arranged to be Secured adjacent the edge of a pool outwardly from said track means wherein said curtain means when latched at the bottom is angled outwardly toward the bottom.

2. The swimming pool guard of claim 1 wherein said track means adjacent one end of the guard is foldable away from said one end.

3. The swimming pool guard of claim l wherein said track means extend around the full length of the guard structure and including an extension of said track means extending diagonally into one of the corners for storage of some of said curtain means.

4. The swimming pool guard of claim 3 including one of said track extensions at each end of said guard structure.

S. The swimming pool guard of claim 1 including latcl engaging means on said curtain means disposed intermediate the .top and bottom of the latter and adapted to be engaged by said latch means for holding the lower edge of the curtain means in a turned up curtain shortenng relation.

6. The swimming pool guard of claim 1 Wherein said track means comprises a support member, a track integrally attached to said support member, and wheeled curtain carrier means movable on said track.

7. The swimming pool guard of claim l Wherein said track means comprises a tubula-r support, seid tubular support having a continuous slot therein, wheel means interiorly of said tubular support and movable along the latter, and depending curtain supporting means projecting through said slot.

8. A swimming pool guard comprising upright frame members adapted for pl-acement acljacent the edge of the pool, end and side track means `supported at the upper end of the frame members, at least one outwardly leading extension in said track means forming a storage area, and curtain means slidably supported on said track means, a

portion of said curtain means 'being moi/able into said outwardly leading extension.

9. The swimming poo-l guard of claim S wherein said end and side track means are joined at corner portions, and including at least two of said outwardly leading extensions, said extensions leading from said corner portions.

10. A swimming pool structure comprising defining Walls, a top edge on said defining walls, a guard for said pool having upright frame i embers adapted for placement adjacent the edge of the pool, inwardly directed extensions at the uppe r end of said frame members, track means supported on the said extensions in a plane inwardly of said upright frame members, curtain means slclably supported on said track means, latch means on the bottom of said curtain means, and anchor means releasably engageable by said latch means, said anchor means being Secured to the edge of the pool outwardly from said track means wherein said curtain means when latched at the bottom is angled outwardly toward the bottom. v

11. The swimming pool guard of claim 1 wherein said curtain means comprises an outer layer of stretchable netting and an inner layer of imperforate sheeting, said two layers being connected only at the upper and lower ends. i

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,168,9l3 8/39 Middleton 135-1 2,952,024 9/ Bartolucci -1 X 3,055,380 9/62 Benka et al 135-4 X HARRESON R. MOSELEY, Primary Exam'ner. 

8. A SWIMMING POOL GUARD COMPRISING UPRIGHT FRAME MEMBERS ADAPTED FOR PLACEMENT ADJACENT THE EDGE OF THE POOL, END AND SIDE TRACK MEANS SUPPORTED AT THE UPPER END OF THE FRAME MEMBERS, AT LEAST ONE OUTWARDLY LEADING EXTENSION IN SAID TRACK MEANS FORMING A STORAGE AREA, AND CURTAIN MEANS SLIDABLY SUPPORTED ON SAID TRACK MEANS, A PORTION OF SAID CURTAIN MEANS BEING MOVABLE INTO SAID OUTWARDLY LEADING EXTENSION. 